Rob Gronkowski reportedly still dealing with 'rigors of The Patriot Way'

Last week against the Jets, Rob Gronkowski looked like a different player -- not only with his first touchdown catch since Week 1, but a player who was having fun.

A few weeks ago, Gronkowski admitted it's been a tough season for him because of all the injuries he's dealt with and the lack of production on the field, so that was a welcomed sight for the rest of the team and Patriots fans.

But, according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, the All-Pro tight end is still feeling some of the same things as he did last year when he contemplated retirement after the season.

“Gronkowski is still dealing with back and ankle injuries. He was eventually taken off the injury report this week, but after speaking with several sources this is still something to watch when it comes to Gronkowski down the stretch," he said on ESPN's NFL Countdown Sunday. "I am told Gronkowski is still dealing with some hardships when it comes to dealing with the rigors of The Patriot Way and the rigors and the beating that his body is taking.

"Last year at this time it was a similar situation that led to a lot of those questions in the offseason. We’re now back in a situation where Gronkowski is quite frankly very tired, but Tom Brady believes that this a team that now has a bunch of different weapons on the field at the same time and that could change things. So while Gronkowski might be feeling the effects of the season now, if they can get some momentum with other weapons on the field, everything the Patriots believe could potentially change.”

In eight games this season, Gronkowski has 32 catches for 504 yards and two touchdowns.